WELCOME TO The
Harry S. Truman
Little White House

Since 1890, history has left its mark on the Truman Little White House. Initially, it served as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II.
In 1946 the historic building first served as the winter White House
of President Harry S. Truman and a site for the Cold War response by later
presidents. Today, the Truman Little White House is a public, living, Key West museum
as well as a retreat and place of government business by our nation's leaders.

Key West
Historical Documents

The eleven trips of President Harry S. Truman were recorded in official
trip logs. Often regarded as mere souvenirs for family and staff,
a more careful reading reveal clues as to the working of the president
in Key West. There are numerous mentions of key staff, both political and
military, flying into Key West to meet with President Harry S. Truman. What they
did and what was said are not revealed in the logs as the details may have
been classified at the time. These presidential
logs provide starting points for more detailed research for the serious student and provide personal insight
into the life of the president on vacation for the causual reader.

The Little White House
restoration Project

In 1974, changing
technologies closed the Key West Submarine Base and the Little White House
went through a twelve year period of disuse. On
January 1, 1987, the title to this presidential museum was transferred to the state of Florida for permanent
protection. Beginning in 1988, more than two million dollars have been privately raised and gone into
its restoration.
Although owned by the state of Florida, the Harry S Truman Little White House receives no regular financial
support from the state or federal government. Please consider a gift to
our not-for-profit foundation to enable the much needed restoration process to continue.